Celebrating 43 years of the United Arab Emirates!

National Day in the UAE is held on December 2nd each year, celebrating the federal unification of the seven emirates in 1971, which combined to form the modern-day country. Grand celebrations are held to commemorate the event, with parades, fireworks and concerts just some of the activities on offer to UAE residents during the National Day holiday. Here is our guide to some of the exciting events that will be taking place:

UAE National Anthem performance

Students, staff and parents will make a world record attempt for a UAE National Anthem performance by over 100 nationalities, at GEMS Wellington Academy, Dubai Silicon Oasis.

National Day concerts

Madinat Zayed Park will see performances by Hala Turk, Moudad Al Kaabi, Rowaida Al Mahrouqi and Adel Ibrahim on December 1 and 2. Delma Island’s public park welcomes Saoud Bou Sultan and Eisa Abdulla, while the public park in Al Sila’a plays host to Youssef Al Omani and Hessa on December 2.

National colours on waterfall, cultural activities, exhibitions

Expect several cultural activities and entertainment at the Dubai Mall to celebrate the National Day. The Watani Exhibition at the mall will offer visitors insights about the UAE’s history, the development of the nation and the vision of its great leaders, from November 30 to December 6, 2014, at The Dubai Mall, Star Atrium.

The Arabian Pearl Exhibition, another exhibit, will provide visitors with the full history on the early days of pearl diving, traditional tools used and clothes worn, from November 28 to December 6 at The Souk Atrium.

A childrens parade will be held featuring over 40 Emirati children, all dressed in the UAE flag colours, and will march through Dubai Mall’s ground floor reciting the National Anthem, on December 1 and 2 from 4pm to 8pm. The UAE flag colours will be projected onto the mall’s Waterfall, until December 3 allowing visitors to take souvenir shots.

Nitro Circus

The popular show will perform a National Day tribute with a two-hour BMX stunt show at Zayed Sports City on December 5, between 8pm and 10pm. Tricks will also be performed on skates, scooters, a rocking horse, tricycles, a bath tub, a Lazy-boy couch, a boogie board and more.

Fireworks Show

As part of the celebrations of National Day, there will be dazzling performance with the popular international magicians and spectacular fireworks shows at the Burj Al Arab. The events will take place opposite Burj Al Arab Hotel and is free of charge.

The Galleria, Al Maryah

Entertaining, cultural and family-friendly activities from November 27 to December 7. Emirati graphic designer Fahad Jaber Abdulla will show his work on Level 1, December 1-7. There will also be a live art installation hosted by Anood Obaidly and other special events.